I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic, for which it stands;
one nation,
under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

[ "Under God"
was added in 1954 ]

THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - RED
SKELTON

When just school age, Red Skelton had a teacher who analyzed the Pledge of
Allegiance explaining the words and the meanings. His recollection
and later recording of the lecture is below, followed by his own observation.

Brief Biography
of Red Skelton

Red Skelton was a movie star and comedian
of the 1950s with appearances extending into the 60s. He
created a number of characters in his monologs and skits.
The character I most remember was of a half-drunk bum.
Skelton with tattered coat and beat up hat humored millions
as "Freddy the freeloader." His television show was
performed live and during one of them, he recited the
following
rendition of the "Pledge of Allegiance."

TO THE FLAG --- Our standard; Old Glory; a symbol of Freedom; wherever
she waves there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that
shouts, Freedom is everybody's job.

UNITED --- That means that we have all come together.

STATES --- Individual communities that have united into forty-eight great
states. Forty-eight individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose.
All divided with imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common purpose, and that
is love for country.
AND TO THE REPUBLIC --- Republic -- a state in which sovereign power is
invested in representatives chosen by the people to govern. And government is
the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the
people.

FOR WHICH IT STANDS

ONE NATION --- One Nation so blessed by God..

[ "Under God"
was added in 1954 ]

INDIVISIBLE --- Incapable of being divided.

WITH LIBERTY --- Which is Freedom; the right of power to live one's own
life, without threats, fear, or some sort of retaliation.
AND JUSTICE --- The principle, or qualities, of dealing fairly with
others.

FOR ALL --- For All, which means, boys and girls, it's as much your
country as it is mine.

And now, boys and girls, let me hear you recite the Pledge of Allegiance:

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic, for which it stands; one nation, Under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two
words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a
pity if someone said that is a prayer, and that would be eliminated from
schools, too?
- Red Skelton

- The Pledge of Allegiance -

I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic, for which it stands;
one nation, under God, indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.